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Obtaining a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP)

Effective January 01, 2019 there will be a federal criminal history background check fee increase from $12.00 to $13.25 for each Public Service Endorsement applicant.

This fee will be in addition to the $75.00 fee for the State criminal background check for each Public Service Endorsement applicant.

NEW PROCESS: You will not receive a permanent driver license or ID card while at a DMV office. It will arrive through the mail. You may retain your expiring license or ID provided there are no changes other than address. For more on this, please see Central Issuance. After visiting an office, you can track the delivery of your new card.

You will be required to provide additional identity documents. If you currently have a non-verified Class D license (i.e., no Gold Star”) you will be required to provide documentation and obtain a verified (“Gold Star”) Class D license prior to the issuance of a CLP. The fee for a duplicate Class D is $30. Find more information here.

Getting Started

A Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) is required for the operation of a commercial vehicle while under the instruction of a licensed CDL operator.

Select an option below to learn more about the Commercial Learner Permit.

Your Social Security card (laminated or metal cards not accepted) or most recent W-2 form.

You must have a current, legible, unexpired medical certificate completed by a Certified Medical Examiner on file with the DMV prior to renewal. Please fax your current card to: (860) 263-5568 or email your current card to: DMV.CDL@CT.GOV

Once the above documentation is presented and accepted by a DMV representative you will be required to take and pass a general knowledge test depending on the type of commercial motor vehicle you intend to operate.

If you fail any knowledge tests you must wait until the next business day to retake the test. You will be required to complete a new Application for Commercial Driver’s License (DMV Form R-229a) and pay the test fee again.

Passing the General Knowledge and Endorsement Tests:

Once you have passed the required knowledge test(s), you will be required to pay a $10 fee for the issuance of the Commercial Learner Permit (CLP).

The CLP is valid for a period of 180 days. It can only be renewed one time during the two-year period from the date the original CLP is issued. Applicants must provide printed confirmation notice of self-certification with DMV. Applicants must self-certify through the DMV website, print confirmation notice and bring it to DMV. The fee for renewal is $10.

A school bus endorsement applicant must present a letter from his/her employer to have certain fees waived. If the letter is presented, the fees are waived for the General Knowledge test, CLP and Skills Test. The applicant does pay the fees for the endorsements that allow the operator to carry passengers; e.g., air brakes, passenger and school bus endorsements. A CDL with “S” and “P” endorsements is required to operate a school bus. Applicants or holders of a public passengerendorsement (S, V, A or F) must have an acceptable driving record.